Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he expects Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to feature against Atletico Madrid in Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final.
Ronaldo was sent off in Sunday's draw against Athletic Bilbao, but Ancelotti expects the Portugal forward to start.
The Italian added Wales winger Bale, who missed the Bilbao match with a calf injury, is also available.
Real host Diego Simeone's men in the first leg at the Bernabeu on the back of a 22-match unbeaten run.
Atletico won at the Bernabeu in September, but Real have not lost since defeat at Barcelona on 26 October.
"A different Real Madrid will play to the team that played Atletico in the league," said Ancelotti.
"I think we are playing well and are confident at the moment. We are balanced but we could still improve. I'm happy with the team."
The Italian said Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo will start, despite his straight red card for raising his hands in a confrontation with Athletic's Carlos Gurpegi.
Ronaldo's punishment for the dismissal will be revealed in a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, but any resulting suspension is expected to see him miss only league games.
Bale, 24, has missed Real's last two matches with a calf injury, making only 13 appearances in La Liga after being hampered by injuries in his debut campaign.
But the Welshman has still managed to score 10 goals in all competitions for Los Blancos.
No comments:
Post a Comment